Practising Iyengar Yoga is not only an enjoyable hobby. It leaves you feeling relaxed and at-one with the World, bestows many health benefits on you, and is great for dealing with stress! Let's understand it a little better ...

The outer, physical human body, and the inner spirit or sole are both interconnected. This means that, when you’re mentally stressed, your body will also become tense. Following the same principle, if you’re in poor shape physically, then your mind will also suffer, experiencing depression and lethargy.

Regular practise of Iyengar will not just improve you on a physical level … it will reach and change your mind and spirit.

How Does Iyengar Differ From Other Styles Of Yoga?

Although based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga and the development of strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, concentration and meditation, Iyengar focuses more on the structural alignment of the physical body through posture (Asana) and breath control (Pranayama), thereby uniting body, mind and spirit for health and well-being.

You’ll find it differs from other types of yoga in three basic ways: timing, sequence, and technique.

1. Length of time in postures: With Iyengar, once stable in your posture, you’ll spend some time there, in order to intensify the depth of posture, thereby extracting more benefit.

2. Sequence: Asana and Pranayama sequences can vary, so that the mental and emotional benefits are intensified.

3. Technique: You’ll learn finer adjustments in the alignment of how you carry out Asana and Pranayama.

Iyengar is also known for its use of props, such as benches, cushions, straps, blocks, and sand bags, which help beginners or tired students to experience and benefit from Asanas of which they may not otherwise be capable.

Iyengar also offers different programs for specific ailments. For example, set programs are available for insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, back pain, menopause and immunodeficiency, the Asanas being altered to fit in with the patient’s recovery. It’s particularly helpful in the manipulation of inflexible or injured areas.

So, if you’re suffering either physically or mentally, do consider Iyengar Yoga as your choice of self help program, and start living life to the full!